FlavScents AInsights Entry: Ambrette Seed Oil (CAS: 8015-62-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Ambrette Seed Oil
- CAS Number: 8015-62-1
- FEMA Number: 2081
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.011
- Material Type: Natural complex material derived from the seeds of the Abelmoschus moschatus plant.
- Source: The oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant, which is native to India and other tropical regions.
Ambrette seed oil is a natural complex material, not a single chemical compound. It is primarily composed of a variety of esters, alcohols, and ketones, with ambrettolide being one of the key constituents contributing to its characteristic aroma. The composition of ambrette seed oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Ambrette seed oil is renowned for its rich, musky aroma with floral and sweet undertones. It is often described as having a warm, animalic scent that is both intense and diffusive. The oil is used as a fixative in perfumery, providing depth and longevity to fragrance compositions. Its odor threshold is relatively low, making it a potent ingredient even at minimal concentrations.
In flavor applications, ambrette seed oil imparts a subtle musky note that can enhance the complexity of a flavor profile, often used in luxury food items and beverages.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Ambrette seed oil is naturally sourced from the seeds of the Abelmoschus moschatus plant. The oil is obtained through steam distillation or solvent extraction of the seeds. The plant is widely cultivated in tropical regions, particularly in India, where it is traditionally used for its aromatic properties.
The oil's designation as a "natural fragrance" or "natural flavor" is due to its direct extraction from plant material without synthetic modification. The formation of its characteristic aroma compounds occurs naturally within the seeds as they mature.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Ambrette seed oil is used in flavor formulations to impart a musky, floral note that enhances the complexity of luxury food and beverage products. It is particularly valued in high-end confectionery, alcoholic beverages, and gourmet foods.
Typical use levels in finished products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. The oil is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, ambrette seed oil is a prized ingredient for its musky, sweet aroma. It is used across various fragrance families, including oriental, floral, and woody compositions. The oil serves as a fixative, enhancing the longevity and depth of the fragrance.
Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.5% to 5%, depending on the desired effect. Ambrette seed oil contributes primarily to the base notes of a fragrance, providing a lasting, warm, and animalic character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Ambrettolide: A macrocyclic lactone contributing to the musky aroma.
- Farnesol: Provides floral and sweet notes.
- Geraniol: Adds a rose-like scent.
- Linalool: Offers a floral and spicy aroma.
The composition of ambrette seed oil can vary significantly based on factors such as geographical origin, harvest time, and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.011.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
- Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.
Ambrette seed oil is subject to varying regulatory standards across regions, with specific approvals and restrictions based on its use in flavors and fragrances.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food flavors at low concentrations. No specific ADI established.
- Dermal Exposure: May cause sensitization in some individuals; IFRA provides guidelines for safe use in fragrances.
- Inhalation Exposure: Considered safe at typical fragrance concentrations; occupational exposure limits are not well-defined.
The risk profiles for ambrette seed oil differ between food and fragrance applications, with dermal sensitization being a primary concern in perfumery.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Ambrette seed oil is valued for its unique musky aroma, which can enhance both flavor and fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with floral and woody notes, providing depth and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, as overuse can overwhelm a composition. It is often underutilized in mainstream products due to its cost and potential for sensitization.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on ambrette seed oil is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. However, industry practices regarding its use levels and safety considerations are often undocumented, relying on formulator expertise. Known data gaps include specific toxicological thresholds and regional regulatory nuances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1-9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-02-24 22:43:35 GMT (p2)
